Clearwater, Florida
After a good night’s sleep, we started to get familiar with and enjoy the town. Ed and Kathy were in the slip adjacent to us, and next to them, were Todd and Patty, friends of theirs who quickly became ours, as well. Each evening, we enjoyed each other’s company, while the days were set aside for washing the boat, routine maintenance, and finding good restaurants. One night, we went bowling at Ed and Kathy’s boat. They have a Wii game, so we bowled the night away. Amanda particularly enjoyed it, as she beat everybody. Lots of laughs, along with a little guitar playing and singing (lots more laughs at me), made for a fun evening for all.
Guitar picking takes up almost as much room as bowling…on a boat.
(L to R: Patti, Kathy, James Taylor, Amanda)
Todd and Patty, who were (and still are eventually) sort of stuck in Clearwater. Todd had to have brain surgery and is still recuperating. Though he has apparently come a long way, he still has a way to go, and doing the Loop is not optional for a few more weeks. We wish him a speedy recovery so they can continue on the same adventure we are enjoying.
Because of their lengthy stay, they had rented a car. They were gracious enough to allow us to use it on more than one occasion, making life so much simpler for us. On our first full day, the 6 of us went to Tarpon Springs and did the tourist thing.
Vitamin Sea, Alcyone, & Honey Queen crews 
I think this is a sponge boat. 
The Sponge Sisters 
This ‘must stop’ satisfied Amanda’s bakery need. 
We saw a manatee for 2 seconds in this basin.
We found the area to be fascinating. The Greek culture was apparent everywhere we turned. The Greek families settled in this area around the turn of the 20th century and developed the sponge industry. For several generations, families have passed this heritage to their children. We were told the demand for sponges is still greater than the supply. I’m not sure what portion of the world supply comes from here, but there were still plenty of sponge boats along the waterfront, indicating the industry is still alive and well here.
We enjoyed lunch with our friends and spent the rest of the time browsing in and out of shops and bakeries before returning to the boat that evening.
Patty is a fitness buff, so she invited Amanda to her local fitness center, which allowed her to get some much needed exercise, still one of the challenges of living on a boat. The city is relatively flat and has some great places to run, as well, so I was able to run several of the days while here.
We were able to continue our gluttony of sea food, but we also found a great Mexican restaurant just up the street from the marina. We do miss our Monday Jalapeño nights in Savannah. Other than grandchildren, it’s probably the thing we miss the most. My apologies to the 2 or 3 people in Savannah that might read this.
I was also able to find a computer/phone repair store. The guy in Ft. Walton “fixed” my phone and installed a “new” battery. When we got to Clearwater, I got my phone fixed again and installed another battery…again. Also, my long love for Windows 7 has come to an end. It was my primary tool running Champion Fire all those years. After the first of the year, I was notified by Microsoft that Version 7 would no longer be supported. Fortunately, my old laptop would support Windows 10, so the same guy did that installation for me. Was so relieved I didn’t have to purchase another computer.
It’s a funny thing about living on a boat. Just like when looking forward to getting on the boat at home, we look forward to getting off the boat, just for a little break.
The pirate ship is popular with the tourists. We chose not to ride on a boat as part of our recreational activity. 
Sundown, framed by the bridge, at the marina. 
This guy wore yellow socks everyday and hung out around the back of our boat.
Our last night together, the 6 of us packed into the little rental car and rode over the bridge to the beach. The Gulf beaches are SOOOOOOOO much prettier than the Atlantic. Green water and white sand is so beautiful.
Illegal to have 4 packed in the back seat, but it sure was funny. 
Good friends at Clearwater Beach
We ended up at The Bait Shop, a little outdoor restaurant on the water, much like The Wyld, back in Savannah. We celebrated Todd and Patty’s 3rd Anniversary, swapping lies and laughing together.
Clearwater was a great stop for a week.